Exploring Gen-Z’s Relationship with Credit Cards

Those born in the middle of the 1990s and early 2010 are referred to as Generation Z or Gen-Z. It is well known that they grew up in the digital era. This generation has a dubious connection with credit cards since they would rather use debit cards for their simplicity and avoid the complexity associated with credit cards, such as obtaining a rewarding card with minimum annual charges or maintaining a good credit score, which is the primary issue. Despite this initial issue, a significant number of Gen-Z own a credit card or are willing to own one with their main motto of building a credit history and saving on their purchases.

As of February 2024, more than 10 crore credit cards are active in India. The rise of digital payments (UPI via credit cards) and online shopping has garnered Gen-Z’s interest in credit cards. With a preference for convenience and security, Gen-Z uses mobile payments and digital wallets. They are reshaping the way credit cards are used, emphasizing technology, convenience, and responsible financial habits.

Listed below are some of the trends that are quite famous among the younger generation and the reason for their shift from debit cards to credit cards.

Most Popular Credit Cards for Gen-Z

The below highlights the most popular credit cards in India for Gen Z in 2024. These cards are known for their top features, annual fee, rewards, and cashback.

Swiggy HDFC Credit Card

The Swiggy HDFC Card is a co-branded credit card between HDFC and Swiggy. It provides 10% cashback on Swiggy app transactions, such as food orders and purchases made through Swiggy Instamart, Dineout, and Genie. Additionally, users will receive 5% cashback on purchases made on a variety of online retailers’ sites, including Amazon, Myntra, Nykaa, Ola, Uber, PharmEasy, NetMeds, and BookMyShow. This card is especially famous among Gen Z, as they have fast-moving lives and tend to order more food online.

Additionally, 1% cashback will also be offered for other online purchases. The Swiggy HDFC Card can be availed at a joining charge of Rs. 500 and offers a welcome bonus of a free 3-month Swiggy One Membership will also be provided. The cashback earned will only be used in the Swiggy App in the form of Swiggy Money.

Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card

This is a co-branded credit card between Amazon and ICICI Bank. This card has huge popularity among Amazon shoppers. It provides various benefits and rewards to Prime users for shopping, dining, etc. This credit card is famous because cardholders get cashback on all their purchases made on Amazon. The cashback earned is directly added to their Amazon wallet. Welcome benefits include discounts up to Rs. 2,000 and a free 3-month prime membership. As a part of ICICI Bank’s Culinary Treats program, 15% off on all bill payments at restaurants.

For Prime members, 5% cashback on all purchases on Amazon India and for non-prime members, 3% cashback on all purchases.

EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Credit Card

This credit card is a co-branded credit card between IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner. This credit card is designed to provide up to 50% discount on dining spending and 3x Eazy points on all orders. Rs 1,999 is the joining and renewal fee, with a complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership renewed yearly and a welcome bonus reward of 2,000. This card includes travel benefits such as 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge access every quarter.

One of the most attractive features of the EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Credit Card for Gen-Z is the monthly BOGO offers on movie ticket bookings from BookMyShow.

ixigo AU Credit Card

The ixigo AU Credit Card is a partnership between AU Small Finance Bank and the travel booking platform ixigo. It offers up to 10% discount on flight bookings, instant discounts on hotel bookings, and zero payment gateway charges for train bookings. Another perk of this credit card is 1 international airport lounge access per year, 8 domestic airport lounge access per year, and 8 railway lounge access per year. All the rewards can be redeemed at AU Rewardz or the ixigo app.

For those who wish to take trips abroad or regularly, this card offers a zero forex markup charge.

Cashback SBI

The Cashback SBI Credit Card is a popular offering from the State Bank of India that offers 5% cash back on every online transaction. The annual fee is Rs. 999, but spending Rs 2 lacs or more in the preceding year grants a waiver. A customer will get 5% cashback on online spending with a monthly capping of Rs 5,000 and 1% cashback on offline transactions without any capping. The cashback is credited directly to the customer’s account. Another perk of owning a cashback SBI Credit card is a 1% waiver in fuel surcharge on fuel transactions at all petrol pumps in India.

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

This credit card offers various benefits to help a person manage money wisely. With the American Express SmartEarn card, a person can earn points on everyday purchases like groceries and online food deliveries. The annual fee is just Rs. 495, which is relatively low for a credit card and is easily affordable by Gen-Z, and the renewal fee will be waived based on the spending of Rs. 40,000 the previous year. Members get a Rs. 500 cashback as a welcome gift on a spend of Rs. 10,000 in the first 90 days of issuance.

Why Are Credit Cards Popular Among Gen-Z?

Rewards and Benefits

Credit cards offer rewards in the form of cashback, points, or Airmiles. These rewards can be used for traveling, shopping, etc. Gen-Z also opts for cards that offer direct cashback against their statement. Any person using credit cards can unlock valuable benefits such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and priority boarding.

Contactless Payments

Contactless payments enable customers to make payments without swiping their credit cards. These cards use near-field communication (NFC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technologies. To complete the payment, the customer simply needs to tap or wave their card over the machine. Youngsters prefer to make contactless payments with their credit cards as they provide them with the utmost convenience. They can easily make contactless payments of up to Rs. 5,000.

Linking Credit Cards with UPI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently authorized the linking of credit cards with UPI for enhanced convenience of utilizing credit cards. Linking a credit card with a UPI enables users to earn rewards on all transactions, such as travel, food, hotels, etc. Gen Z can make the most out of their credit card limits when it is linked with UPI.

Conclusion

As we all know, there are several benefits to having a credit card. Whether we plan to make large purchases or small ones, with the introduction of RuPay Credit Cards, we can make fast and convenient payments with our credit cards.

Every person should apply for a credit card that suits their needs the best. Generation Z is a group of highly educated and tech-savvy individuals who have just entered the earning phase of their lives. Therefore, they need to learn about how credit cards work, including reward structures and timely payment of bills. With proper knowledge about credit cards and their working, individuals can maximize their benefits and establish a positive financial future. Using credit cards responsibly can help individuals set themselves up for a financially stable future.

With insights into rewards, benefits, and fees, find the perfect credit card that suits your needs.